February 10, 2021

Gunnedah’s Rainbow Serpent Water Feature has been shortlisted for the 2020 Australian Street Art Awards in the category of Best Rural Art.

The Awards showcase public art and recognise regions that are using outdoor, publicly-accessible art to promote their destination and engage their community.

Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said Council is honoured to be recognised for this cultural initiative, and acknowledged the efforts of local Kamilaroi artists.

“Shirley Long, Janet Wanless, L. Delma Jones, L. Ellen Draper, Gloria Foley, June Cox, Alison Cox, Rita Long and Cindy Foley persisted for almost 20 years to bring this project to life,” Ms Mackley said.

“This sculpture celebrates and preserves the culture, history and experiences of these strong and determined women.”

Judges commented the sculpture was “a wonderful example of the strong Indigenous community and women inspiring the next generations, while sharing their culture with tourists and the rest of the community”.

The Rainbow Serpent Water Feature is permanently installed at the entrance to the Cultural Precinct in Chandos Street and is open for the community to visit.

Last year the water feature received the Leo Kelly OAM Arts and Culture NSW Local Government Award, which celebrates outstanding achievement by local government organisations in strategic planning for arts and culture.

Winners of the 2020 Australian Street Art Awards will be announced on Tuesday, March 2 2021.

The Story of the Rainbow Serpent

As told by the late Elder Ellen Draper

In traditional Aboriginal storytelling, the Rainbow Serpent was not always a snake but a man who, by deception and lies, attempted to turn the people against their God, Baiame.

The Elders in the Dreamtime went to Baiame and told him what Rainbow was doing. Baiame punished Rainbow for his treachery by causing him to slither along the ground and sending him from the Dreamtime, never to return.

He was ordered to place all of the heavenly bodies and earthly objects in this land in such a way that balance was maintained. When he laid his head on the ground to rest from his labours, a waterhole or billabong was created; and where he travelled, rivers formed.

When his creation work was finished, the Rainbow Serpent transported all living creatures, including the people, to the land he had made for them and deposited them in their rightful places.

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Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

February 10, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council this week congratulated 17 students who will get a headstart on their learning journey through the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.

The students will start their tertiary studies in a range of areas with the support of the scholarship to assist with costs including textbooks, relocation and travel, living expenses or a contribution towards tuition fees.

Gunnedah Shire Councillor Gae Swain, who was instrumental in starting the fund 18 years ago, said it was wonderful to be able to help a group of fresh faces starting on their lifetime adventures.

“The Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund is a one-of-a-kind program that brings Council and local businesses and groups together to ensure our young people have every opportunity to make a difference in their chosen profession,” Cr Swain said.

“Our country kids have achieved many goals over the years. We would love to see some of these students return as doctors or nurses, or to work in a whole range of areas in the Gunnedah Shire.

“Over the years, more than 365 scholarships have been awarded, worth a total of more than $320,000. It shows the genuine support the community has for our young people.”

The guest speaker for the presentation was Chelsea Mitchell, a previous scholarship recipient who graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. Chelsea is now a vet at Gunnedah Veterinary Hospital.

This year, the successful applicants receive a total of $22,250. The successful applicants for the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund in 2021 are:

• Zachary Bower, Leah Broekman, Edwina Carrigan, Lacey Davis, Paige Gainsford, Tyson Hubbard, Grace Jaeger, Ineke Jones, Holly Miller, Ashleigh Mills, Lucy Moore, Paige Murray, Kaitlin Newbery, Eliza Perkins, Chelsea Willey, Bayley Williams, and Arielle Worthington.

The recipients of the Dr Grahame Deane Scholarship for Medical-related Studies were Kaitlin Newbery and Arielle Worthington, and Paige Gainsford was awarded the PRAMS Award for Nursing or Midwifery.

The sponsors who have made the scholarship possible are:

• Whitehaven Coal, Gunnedah West Rotary Club, PRAMS, Forsyths and Gunnedah Shire Council.

The fund is open to local students under 25 who want to further their training and education at university, TAFE, or an accredited training organisation.

Caption: Mayor Jamie Chaffey (left), Cr Gae Swain (right) and guest speaker Chelsea Mitchell (second right) with some of the recipients of the 2021 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.

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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

February 10, 2020

Local service providers are encouraged to join the new Gunnedah Community Directory, an online tool that makes it easy for residents to find and connect with Gunnedah based services.

Gunnedah Shire Council has partnered with My Community Directory for the creation of the new platform which showcases the Shire’s many local services and community groups.

The directory is still in the development phase; with health services, community groups, child services, employment and training and disability support providers encouraged to register and list their information. 

Once established, directory users can also access the My Community Diary; a free online calendar providing up-to-date information about community events.

Gunnedah Shire Council Social and Community Planner Debra Hilton said the new directory will be a handy reference point for locals, connecting them to a range of community services, events, programs and activities.

“There are great things happening in Gunnedah every day and this resource will help people explore what’s right here in the local community,” Ms Hilton said.

“The new platform is also accessible through a free app, keeping information at resident’s fingertips.

“I encourage local service providers to register for the directory and update their listing. It’s free to add events and feature your organisation on the platform.”

To register a service or organisation visit https://www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au/Register

To download the 'Access My Community' app, visit the app store or text 'Gunnedah' to 0488884151 to receive a download link.

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Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

February 8, 2021

Flickerfest is on its way to Gunnedah Shire with an exceptional line-up of short films to delight local movie buffs.

Flickerfest is Australia’s largest short film competition dedicated to showcasing the very best short films from Australia and around the world; featuring everything from live action to documentaries and animation.

Gunnedah’s Civic Cinema is one of 56 theatres premiering the event across Australia, before it travels to 36 international locations.

Gunnedah Shire Council Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said she was thrilled to be hosting the 30^th official Flickerfest, with the cinema celebrating its own anniversary of 20 years of operation in Gunnedah.

“Over the past three decades Flickerfest has become Australia’s leading Academy qualifying and BAFTA recognised short film festival,” Ms Mackley said.

“The films are selected from more than 100 countries, with more than 50 per cent female directors represented in the Australian competition.

“The Gunnedah Civic Cinema is hosting winning shorts from 2 categories: Best of Australian Shorts and Best of International Comedy.

“Flickerfest is a chance to see amazing short films on the big screen before they continue their journey around the world. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the passion and creativity of filmmakers during what has been a challenging time for the industry.”

Flickerfest shorts will be screened later this month over two Sunday sessions:

• Best of Australian Shorts: 3pm  Sunday, February 21, and
• Best of International Comedy: 3pm Sunday, February 28.

Tickets are $15 per session and are available via www.thecivic.com.au. Tickets can be purchased in person from the Civic Cinema in Chandos Street between 10am and 5pm Tuesday to Sunday.

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Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

February 5, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council received correspondence from Hunter New England Health yesterday to advise they have received a number of expressions of interest from potential operators of the Gunnedah Rural Health Centre.

While we welcome this news, Council questions the projected six month timeframe provided by Hunter New England Health in assessing these applications and commencement of a successful operator.

The Gunnedah community is in desperate need of doctors and another six months is not good enough.

Council have recently outlined our concerns about the local GP shortage in the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Health Outcomes and Access to Health and Hospital Services in Rural, Regional and Remote New South Wales.

The situation on the ground in Gunnedah is at a crisis level. The proposed six month time frame in addressing this health crisis is simply unacceptable and leaves our residents at risk.  

I request that Hunter New England Health expedite this process as a matter of urgency and move a GP service into the vacant Gunnedah Rural Health Centre as soon as practically possible.

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Media contact: Communications team (02) 6740 2100.

February 5, 2021

As Mayor of Gunnedah Shire I am compelled to address the claim by Hunter New England Health (HNEH) of adequate community consultation having been conducted in the development of the Clinical Services Plan (CSP) for the Gunnedah Hospital upgrade.

The Gunnedah Community has not been consulted on the development of the CSP and Council strongly refutes Hunter New England Health’s suggestion that anything even approaching adequate community consultation for this project has been conducted.

We are extremely disappointed this promised consultation has not occurred and the draft CSP is now on the desk of the NSW Minister for Health for approval without valuable community input.

We are therefore calling on the Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson to step up and work with the Minister for Health to redress this matter and provide transparency by placing the draft CSP on public exhibition. This will provide our community with the opportunity to have their voices heard and compensate for the inadequate consultative process.

The CSP is a critical stage of the hospital redevelopment as it determines what clinical services - including medical, surgical, maternity and obstetrics - will be available at the hospital.

Without the genuine input of our local healthcare providers, community and other stakeholders it is difficult to comprehend how this plan can be truly representative of the current and future needs of our Shire. If the needed consultation with our community is not undertaken, Council will lead a petition to the Parliament on behalf of the Gunnedah community.

The upgrade of the Gunnedah Hospital affects the quality of life of every Gunnedah resident and it is critical these clinical services reflect the needs of our unique regional community.

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Media contact: Communications team (02) 6740 2100.

January 28, 2021

Gunnedah Shire has welcomed its newest Australian citizens at the recent Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, held under the gums at Anzac Park.

Citizenship ceremonies were held around the country to mark the day, including the ceremony for four new Aussies in Gunnedah.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said it was a privilege to welcome community members Christiaan Wynand Harmse, Maria Jacomina Harmse, Petronella Cornelia Harmse and Juanito Ocray Maquera into Australian citizenship.

 “As Mayor it is a great honour to officiate the citizenship ceremony and see these new Australians through the final stages of their citizenship journey,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We were also fortunate to have the Hon Sarah Mitchell MLC, Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning in attendance to present conferees with their Australian Citizenship Certificates and gift of an Australian native plant.

“There is no greater privilege than our citizenship. It’s a life-long commitment to Australia’s shared values and common future.”

The next citizenship ceremony will be held on Australian Citizenship Day on Friday, 17 September 2021.

Photo Caption: (From left to right) Miss Petronella Cornelia Harmse, Mr Juanito Ocray Maquera, Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Mr Christiaan Wynand Harmse, Mrs Maria Jacomina Harmse, the Hon Sarah Mitchell MLC, Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke and 2021 Gunnedah Shire Australia Day Ambassador Tim Gavin.

ENDS

Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

January 25, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council has announced the recipients of the 2021 Australia Day Awards.

Thirteen community members and groups received their awards and certificates of recognition during last night’s Awards Dinner at the Gunnedah Town Hall.

Gunnedah Shire Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Australia Day Committee Cr Rob Hooke congratulated the winners for their leadership and service.

“I would like to commend both the winners and nominees for going above and beyond helping make Gunnedah Shire an even better place to live,” Cr Hooke said.

“The Australia Day Committee had a challenging job selecting winners from a strong pool of candidates. It was inspiring to read the nominations and hear about the extraordinary people we have here in our community.

“One of these extraordinary people is Citizen of the Year Ray Williams, a long-serving volunteer who has demonstrated passion and commitment in helping the Gunnedah community. Ray’s ongoing service to Gunnedah Public School, WIRES, local sporting clubs and many other charities is sincerely appreciated.

“Junior Citizen of the Year Aidan R de Luzuriaga has also had an extraordinary impact on our community. He has advocated for his peers through Gunnedah’s Youth Council, shown leadership in his position as Vice-Captain of Gunnedah High School and is a respected teammate with a bright future ahead of him.

“I applaud all recipients for their ingenuity and determination during what has been a challenging year. They are wonderful role models who have all made outstanding contributions to their community.”

Gunnedah’s Australia Day Award recipients for 2021 are:

• Citizen of the Year: Ray Williams
• Young Citizen of the Year: Aidan R de Luzuriaga
• Ossie & Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award: Helen Cygan
• Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy: Bruce Hill
• Community Organisation &/or Events Achievement Award: Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce & Gunnedah Eisteddfod (joint winners)
• Max & Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award: Mercy Associates & Friends
• Sports Person of the Year: Andrew Cygan
• Junior Sports Person of the Year: Aaron Osmond
• Sports Team of the Year: Gunnedah Bulldogs AFL Women’s Team
• Junior Sports Team of the Year: Gunnedah & District Soccer Junior Competition
• Ivan Towns Memorial (Coach of the Year): Philip Hinshelwood
• Environmental Citizen of the Year: George Truman

Awards are presented annually and the community is encouraged to think about a resident, service or organisation they would like to see recognised ahead of next year’s event.

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Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

January 20, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council will celebrate International Women’s Day 2021 with our biennial exhibition at The Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery.

Council’s Cultural Precinct Team Leader Lauren Mackley said the theme for International Women’s Day 2021 was #Choose to Challenge.

“We encourage artists, creative collectives, hobbyists, community organisations and schools to participate in a celebration of women in our lives and in our community,” Ms Mackley said.

“We are encouraging women to celebrate their own achievements through creativity.

“Gunnedah Shire has a wealth of talent and a vibrant community of women who create unique artworks, from art on canvas to metalwork, jewellery, pottery and a whole lot more. Why not #Choose to Challenge yourself to enter something in this celebratory exhibition.”

Artwork submissions close at 5pm on Monday, March 8 with all artwork to be dropped at The Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery with an attached and completed entry form.

The entry form is available at https://www.thecivic.com.au/art--exhibitions

The official exhibition opening will be held at 1pm Friday, March 12 with light refreshments provided. We ask all of the community to come along and celebrate! Please prebook your ticket through a link which will soon be available on the www.thecivic.com.au website.

The exhibition will continue until 3pm, Sunday, April 11.

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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.

January 20, 2021

The hugely successful Business Partner Program has opened for 2021, offering new and existing businesses a helping hand for new projects.

Some of the 12 recipients of the previous round of the program were congratulated by Gunnedah Shire Council today at the Civic.

Chair of the Business Partner Program Advisory Group Cr Ann Luke said the last round had been aimed at projects that would grow the economy and create more local employment opportunities.

“Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program contributed $127,550 towards 12 projects for the last round of the program in 2020,” Cr Luke said.

“The standard of projects included in the round show just how successful this program is in assisting new initiatives that boost employment and secure a stronger local economy.

“We really encourage anyone who is thinking about expanding their business or starting something new to submit an application. Even a small amount can make a big difference in getting a project off the ground.”

Applications for the latest round of the Business Partner Program opened on Monday and will close at midnight on 28 February 2021. For guidelines and more information, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au and click on the “Business & Industry” tab and then “Business Grants & Funding”.

Applications must be submitted through the online portal: https://gunnedah.smartygrants.com.au/BPP2021R3

The Business Partner Program has assisted many businesses and organisations over the years to get established and to grow. This financial year, as part of the Community Resilience COVID-19 Business Recovery Package Invigorate Gunnedah, the available funds through the Business Partner Program has been increased.

Caption: Some of the recipients of the most recent round of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program.

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Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.